It does not take federal grant money in order to assist people living in half-way homes as they transition from prison and people who are undocumented residents — both not allowed under federal guidelines.

Step Up to Justice also fills the conflict-of-interest gap when, for example, one party in a civil proceeding gets services from legal aid and the other party is left without representation, said Michele Mirto, executive director.

She said Tucsonans have been very supportive.

“We live in an amazingly generous community,” Mirto said. “I think people are particularly excited that it’s an all-volunteer model.”

Clients eligible for the free service must be at 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Level Guidelines. For a family of six, that would be an income of less than $41,200 a year.